Italy host France as Six Nations third-round weekend draws to an exciting close in Rome today. Les Bleus make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico desperate to bounce back quickly from their shock last-gasp defeat by England at Twickenham a fortnight ago that scuppered their latest Grand Slam hopes and made Ireland strong favourites to win a historic and unprecedented third successive title.
With a massive clash in Dublin coming up next and the defending champions having survived a surprise scare of their own against resurgent Wales yesterday, there is simply no more margin for error for Fabien Galthie’s wounded side, who will be eager to produce a statement victory this afternoon. However, Italy are no pushovers and deservedly beat Wales last time out to hasten the end of Warren Gatland’s dismal second reign having fought back admirably before losing to Scotland at Murrayfield on opening weekend.
The Azzurri almost pulled off a massive upset in this fixture in Lille 12 months ago, only for Paolo Garbisi’s last-gasp penalty attempt to agonisingly bobble off the tee and then hit the post in a thrilling 13-13 draw. Follow Italy vs France live below!
Italy vs France latest news
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Kick-off time: 3pm GMT, Stadio Olimpico
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How to watch: ITV
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Italy team news: Gesi and Lucchesi start
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France team news: No Penaud or Jalibert
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Italy vs France lineups in full
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Prediction: France to bounce back with strong win
How to watch Italy vs France
12:49 , George Flood
TV channel: Italy vs France is being shown live and free-to-air today in the UK on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 2:15pm GMT.
Live stream: The contest can also be viewed live online via the ITVX website and app, which is free with a subscription.
Italy vs France live
12:48 , George Flood
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Italy vs France in the Six Nations.
Les Bleus head to Rome today to close out a thrilling round three, knowing full well that they cannot afford any more slip-ups following their shock last-gasp defeat by England as they prepare to head to Dublin to face historic three-peat and Grand Slam-chasing Ireland next.
But they could have another stern test against an Italy side who deservedly beat Wales a fortnight ago to bring the early end of Warren Gatland’s woeful second reign and produced a battling comeback against Scotland before eventually losing at Murrayfield in round one.
Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is at 3pm GMT, so stay tuned for match build-up, all the latest team news and lineups plus live updates.
